Olanzapine (Zypine ODT) 5 and 10 mg orodispersible tablets: Supply issue
Due to an issue at the factory, the supplier has run out of 5 mg and 10 mg orodispersible olanzapine tablets.
28 April 2026 | Issue expanded, alternatives listed
From 1 May 2026, Apo-Olanzapine has been funded as an alternative for both 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. It is not approved by Medsafe so will need to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act. Stock is running low of the other alternatives that were previously listed.
We're sorry. We appreciate that frequent brand changes are not ideal. We are working hard to ensure this treatment remains available in an orodispersible format.
Affected product
Due to manufacturing and shipping delays, the supplier expects to run out of olanzapine orodispersible tablets before the next shipment arrives.
Chemical: Olanzapine
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 10 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439840
- Subsidy: $2.89
- Measure / Qty: per 28
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 5 mg
- Brand: Zypine ODT
- Pharmacode: 2439832
- Subsidy: $2.42
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Information for people who take olanzapine ODT
We're sorry. We know that changing brands of medicines can be disruptive. To make sure you can continue your treatment uninterrupted, Pharmac has funded Apo-Olanzapine.
Different look, same effect
It will come in a different box, and it may taste different. However, it contains the same active ingredient, in the same amount as your usual brand. It is designed to work the same way as your usual brand.
Not Medsafe approved
These brands are supplied in other countries and are approved for use in those countries. They have not been reviewed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand. This means your doctor and pharmacist have extra steps they have to follow, including explaining what taking an unapproved medicine means.
More about unapproved medicines | Healthify NZ(external link)
Any questions?
Please talk to your pharmacist or the person who prescribes this medicine if you have any questions.
- Apo Olanzapine alternative flyer [PDF 191 KB]
Alternative brands listed 1 May 2026
From 1 May, Pharmac funded two new brands of orodispersible olanzapine tablets. Apo-Olanzapine is available for wholesalers to order from Arrotex. We have also listed Olanzapine ODT Viatris, this brand is not available.
Brand: Apo-Olanzapine
This product comes in blister packs with 28 tablets in a box.
Strength: 5 mg
- Pharmacode: 2729636
- Subsidy: $3.93
- Quantity: per 28
Strength: 10 mg
- Pharmacode: 2729644
- Subsidy: $4.49
- Quantity: per 28
Alternative brands listed 1 March 2026
From 1 March 2026, we funded a limited supply of two alternative brands of olanzapine orodispersible tablets. They were not Medsafe approved and needed to be prescribed and dispensed in line with section 29A of the Medicines Act.
The alternatives are the same formulation as the Zypine brand and the tablets look the same. While the tablets are the same, they are labelled for other countries, Italy and Poland. They are supplied by the same company, Viatris.
Viatris put an English label on the boxes, however the blister packs will still have the original Italian or Polish labelling, pictured.
Olanzapine with Italian label
- Brand: Olanzapina Mylan Pharma
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 10 mg
- Pharmacode: 2724227
- Subsidy: $2.89
- Measure / Qty: 28
Olanzapine with Polish label
- Brand: Olanzapina Mylan
- Presentation: Tab orodispersible 10 mg
- Pharmacode: 2724235
- Subsidy: $2.89
- Measure / Qty: per 28
Prescribing and supplying an unapproved medicine
Section 29A of the Medicines Act 1981 allows for medicines that are not Medsafe approved to be prescribed and supplied to people.
We know supplying an unapproved medicine. In this case, however, this will allow people to continue to access an appropriate treatment.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
What patients need to know about unapproved medicines – Healthify website(external link)
Expected resupply
We are working with the supplier to understand when the registered product will be available again.
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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